Can You Recycle Plastic Sponges (And How)

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Written By Georgios Sinis

Non-Recyclable

Plastic sponge with a symbol on the top right indicating it is not recyclable

You can not recycle plastic sponges because of their mixed material composition and high concentration of contaminants (primarily food). Plastic sponges are mostly made of cellulose (soft part) and polyurethane foam (hard part). Discard them in the garbage bin.

Disposal Method: Garbage Bin
Plastic Types (#): Polyurethane

Please note: Recycling guidelines may vary depending on local regulations and facilities. The information provided here is intended as a general guide and may not apply to your specific location or item. Always check with your local recycling center or municipal authority for the most accurate and up-to-date recycling information in your area.

Typical RIC Symbols Used

Sponges do not have a recycling symbol. They are made of cellulose (non-plastic material) and polyurethane, which is a thermosetting polymer that doesn’t have an RIC symbol. Thermoplastic materials are the main focus of the RIC numeration system.

Where To Recycle

Use Recycling Locators: Try your luck finding a specialized sponge recycling program using RecycleNation & Earth911 (US) or RecycleNow (UK).